通俗 tōngsú common
common; everyday; average
How to remember 通俗: 通 pass through + 俗 social customs = common.
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How it is used
- 'Popular, accessible to ordinary people' - 通俗易懂 (tōngsú yìdǒng) easy for anyone to understand.
- Describes writing, music, or explanation aimed at a mass audience: 通俗小说 popular fiction, 通俗歌曲 pop songs. Not derogatory by itself.
- Contrast 庸俗 (yōngsú, vulgar/tasteless), which is negative - don't confuse the two; 通俗 = down-to-earth, 庸俗 = crude.